Gambling addiction is one of the forms of behavioral addiction, which manifests itself in a pathological craving for gambling.
Unlike gambling addiction, simple entertainment through gaming is perceived as a way to relax, relieve emotional stress, or simply have fun. The player hopes to win, but doesn’t expect to. Gambling doesn’t engage them so much that they regularly go into debt or get into trouble. With gambling addiction, a person is unable to stop playing, either after winning or after repeated losses. They lose control of time and the ability to stop gambling, which can last from several hours to several days. Over time, the compulsive gambler begins to lie and hide their problems from others, pay less attention to family, refuse to repay debts, and becomes withdrawn, irritable, and aggressive. Stopping gambling causes withdrawal symptoms—a severe physical condition characterized by headaches, anxiety, decreased attention, depression, irritability, and sleep disturbances. This condition resolves only after returning to the game.
A gambler cannot overcome the desire to gamble on his own, so he needs the help of a qualified specialist.
133 – 24-hour emergency psychological assistance service
- Brest Regional Psychoneurological Dispensary
+375 162 51-10-13 or 170 – emergency psychological care. 24/7, anonymous. - Brest, Brestsky Divizii Lane, 2
+375 162 53-28-17 – reception (for appointments with specialists), Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 20:00. Saturday, 9:00 to 15:00. - Brest, Brestsky Divizii Lane, 2
8 (0162) 53-47-02 – psychotherapist, Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 17:00. - Brest, Kizhevatova 76/1, +375 162 51-10-37 – Children’s Department Reception (for specialist appointments). Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 20:00. Saturday, 9:00 to 15:00 (no doctor’s appointments).
- Brest Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health
8 (0162) 32-11-55, 53-04-99 – Psychologists. Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 16:00, lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00.
